Siti ZawaniIt’s important to take time off to recharge the mind and body – and there is no better place to do so than in retreats that are designed specifically for this purpose. For a vacation that focuses on heath and wellness, consider the five destinations below.
1. Como Shambhala Estate, Bali, Indonesia
Image credit: Como Shambhala Estate
‘Holistic’ is almost a mantra at Como Shambhala Estate, which prides itself on an immersive experience for those seeking refuge from the buzz of city life. With therapy programmes tailored to suit varying lengths of itineraries – from three to seven nights – this Balinese oasis focuses on what’s important to you, be it to cleanse the self, to keep active, to rejuvenate the body or manage the mental stresses of daily pressure. Inspired by both indigenous and contemporary designs, the estate is designed to make you feel as though the grounds are your home. They have a wide selection of accommodation tiers from individual rooms, to villas, to suites and even impressive residences.
2. Fusion Maia, Da Nang, Vietnam
Image credit: Maia Danang
What sets this wellness destination apart from the rest in our list? Firstly, all its accommodations are villas with private pools, and secondly (which is a huge win in my books) they serve all-day breakfast at the compound. It is also the first spa in Asia to offer an all-inclusive spa access to its guests, meaning well-being services like yoga, massages and meditation come with the room price; think of it as the Club Med of spa destinations, minus the kids. Its Natural Healing Program covers their seven areas for holistic recuperation, namely Emotions, Nutrition, Social, Environment, Physical, Intellect and Spiritual. With comprehensive offerings and the fuss-free inclusion of all services, your mind is at ease throughout your stay.
3. The Farm at San Benito, Lipa City, Philippines
Image credit: The Farm at San Benito
The Farm at San Benito prides itself on being the sole sanctuary of its kind in the Philippines, with hydrotherapy, spa and medical holistic services to cater to guests’ healing journeys. There are serious about wellness here, with retreats dedicated to diabetes management, heart health and even recovery from radio- and chemotherapy. Living quarters are aplenty to choose from, as they offer nine different types of rooms that can accommodate up to a family of six, which includes two children under the age of 12 (yes, children are allowed!). With meals prepared with organic produce mostly grown right on their grounds, guests are guaranteed the freshest and healthiest meals around at their Alive! dining area.
4. Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary, Koh Samui, Thailand
Image credit: Kamalaya Koh Samui
Thailand’s award-winning spa retreat is centred around a monk’s cave that once served Buddhist monks as a place of meditation and spiritual retreat. Its name, ‘Kamalaya’ means ‘Lotus (kamal) Realm (alaya)’, an ancient symbol for the growth and unfolding of the human spirit. With an impressive 12 different tiers of accommodation, there is no level of comfort that Kamalaya will not meet. Guests may choose from their specially-designed wellness programs or opt to have one specifically tailored to suit their fancy. From time to time, they even have visiting practitioners and wellness events, which serve to enhance the rejuvenating experience. The aforementioned cave is open to guests all day, providing a safe and peaceful place for those who seek solace for meditation and contemplation.
5. Ananda in the Himalayas, Uttarakhand, India
Image credit: Ananda
With a world-lauded spa, Ananda in the Himalayas lives up to its glory with its majestic Maharajas of Tehri-Garhwal estate and its to-die-for location situated at the foot of the Himalayas. Tranquil is not even close to describing the aura that resonates throughout the compound. It boasts 24 treatment rooms, offering more than 79 body and beauty treatments – including yoga, hydrotherapy and heated pools – married with breathtaking scenery all around. Guests’ health journeys are tailored to suit their concerns and can be customised to accommodate down the most precise of details in their Ayurvedic diet.
